Rockets host Nuggets Friday for NBA Cup group stage matchup

On Friday night, the Houston Rockets (10-3) will host the Denver Nuggets (11-3) in a high-stakes NBA Cup group stage matchup. Both teams are among the Western Conference leaders, promising an intense, competitive game. ([ABC13 Houston](https://abc13.com/post/rockets-host-nuggets-friday-nba-cup-group-stage-matchup/18178762/))

Matchup Overview

The game is set for 9:30 p.m. EST in Houston. The Rockets are favored by 2 points with an over/under of 234.5. Houston has gone 3-2 against Western Conference opponents this season.

Team & Individual Statistics

• Rockets lead the league in points in the paint at 53.4 per game, led by Alperen Şengün averaging 12.0.
• Nuggets average 47.3 rebounds per game, second in the Western Conference, led by Nikola Jokić at 13.2 per game.
• Houston shoots 48.8% from the field; Denver allows 45.0% to opponents.
• Denver averages 12.1 made 3-pointers per game, slightly fewer than the 14.2 the Rockets allow per opponent.
• Key performers:
  • Kevin Durant (Rockets): 25.5 PPG, 3.4 APG
  • Şengün: 28.0 points average over last 10 games
  • Jokić (Nuggets): 29.1 PPG, 13.2 RPG, 11.1 APG, 1.7 SPG
  • Peyton Watson: 5.0 made 3-pointers over last 10 games
• Last 10 games: Rockets 9-1 averaging 123.9 PPG, Nuggets 8-2 averaging 123.2 PPG.

Injury Report

• Rockets: Fred VanVleet (ACL, out), Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle, out), Tari Eason (oblique, out)
• Nuggets: Christian Braun (ankle, out), Aaron Gordon (hamstring, day-to-day), Julian Strawther (back, day-to-day)

Key Factors & Game Narrative

• Paint vs perimeter: Rockets excel inside, Nuggets strong on rebounds.
• Three-point battle: Denver’s perimeter defense vs Houston’s shooting.
• Role players matter: Injuries may affect rotations and game flow.
• NBA Cup stakes: Group stage wins impact tournament progression.

Betting Outlook & Prediction

With the Rockets favored by 2 points and over/under at 234.5, the matchup is likely high scoring. Prediction: Rockets by 3 points, total points ~235+.

Final Thoughts

This NBA Cup game promises high intensity, fast-paced action, and strategic battles inside and outside the arc. Houston will try to leverage home court; Denver will rely on board control and Jokić’s versatility.

Based on reporting by ABC13 Houston and data from Sportradar. Updated Nov 20, 2025.